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Beaches were a great family getway. There were a lot of fun activities for children that both boys anf girls enjoyed. Children did not normally go swiming at English beaches. In fact many did not even wear swim suits, but rather suits and other rather formal outfits. The weather could be chilly even during the summer. And the cold water meant that the children could not spend much time in the water anyway. More likely they would takes off their shoes and socks and go paddling in calm waters. At some beaches there were quite, shallow tidal waters where it was safe for the children to paddle. Another great beach activity is building sandcastles and other activities plays with the sand. Buckets and small shovels were thus standard beach items. We also see them as props used in beach resort studio portraits. Another popular activity was riding donkeys/burros which were commonly a minty available on English beaches. This was a favorite with the children and no accident that we see Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh. The children were often photographed on the donkeys by the photographers who worked on the beaches. We also see family snapshots, but many of the photographs seem more he work of photgraohers. There also might be Punch and Judy shows at the beach. We also notice Sunday School-like religious activities, especially before World War II. This was the case for adults as well, but some of the activities were directed at children. Parents would use them as fre baby sitting services.
There were a lot of fun activities for children that both boys anf girls enjoyed. Children did not normally go swiming at English beaches. In fact many did not even wear swim suits, but rather suits and other rather formal outfits. The weather could be chilly even during the summer. And the cold water meant that the children could not spend much time in the water anyway.
More likely they would takes off their shoes and socks and go paddling in calm waters. At some beaches there were quite, shallow tidal waters where it was safe for the children to paddle.
Another great beach activity is building sandcastles and other activities plays with the sand. Buckets and small shovels were thus standard beach items. We also see them as props used in beach resort studio portraits.
Another popular activity was riding donkeys/burros which were commonly available on English beaches. Donkey rides were a popular feature at seaside resorts in Britain. This was not an exclsively British seasise actibity, but seems to have been more popular in Britain than any other country. This may have developed because so many donkeys were being draught animals in the cockle industries when the tourist trade began to develop during the 19th century. The children were allowed to ride donkeys on sandy beaches. This dvloped in to a commercial activity. The children are often led in groups at a safe walking pace as very young children are involved. Sometimes the donkeys had their names on their harnesses so they could be identified by children who like using names for the donkeys they are riding. This was a favorite with the children and no accident that we see Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh. The children were often photographed on the donkeys by the photographers who worked on the beaches. We also see family snapshots, but many of the photographs seem more the work of photgraphers. Here we see a 19th century image. Donkey rides continued to be a beach mainstay until after World War II. This activity declined after the War especially after the 1960s. We are not precisely sure why, but suspect that sanitation and environmental issues are at play. We also notice concern over the donkeys, such as protection from overweight children. There are also demands that the donkeys be given at least one day off a week.
There also might be Punch and Judy shows at the beach. They were popular holiday attractions.
We also notice Sunday School-like religious activities, especially before World War II. This was the case for adults as well, but some of the activities were directed at children. Parents would use them as fre baby sitting services.
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